2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition: Goodbye to an Icon

In the heyday of the 1990s tuner era, the moniker “Type R” reached almost mythic status. Reserved for only the highest-performing Hondas, the name meant extra power, higher revs, lighter weight, and sharper handling. It wasn’t until 2017 that Honda finally offered the Civic Type R, like this special edition recently for sale on eBay Motors in Crestwood, Ky.

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Hot Rod Hondas

The original Civic Type R, released in 1997, was never sold in the US. For two decades—over five generations of factory hot rod Hondas—American Honda aficionados were denied the best-performing Civics.

That didn’t stop them from finding innovative ways to modify the Hondas available here, from the zippy CRX to the mighty mid-engined NSX. In doing so, Honda tuners ushered in a new age of customizing. The Civic, due to the sheer number sold, became one of the most popular foundations on which to build a contemporary hot rod.

It didn’t hurt that Honda imbued even the most common commuter car with innovative technology like double-wishbone suspension and variable valve timing.

More Potent

Soon, these enthusiasts caught on to the fact that Japan had even more potent versions of their favorite Hondas. While importing a complete Civic Type R was impossible due to the 25-year rule, savvy builders got their hands on engines and other parts exclusive to the Type R, including wheels, racing seats, suspension bits, and more.

The long-awaited 2017 arrival of the FK8-chassis Type R from official channels created high expectations among these same enthusiasts, now a bit older and more financially stable. Luckily, Honda delivered. With 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque from a turbocharged four, a limited-slip helical differential, and a magical six-speed transmission, the CTR was a formidable track weapon. Its modern technology eliminated torque steer and turbo lag, the bane of front-wheel-drive and forced-induction cars 20 years earlier.

It was a class-leading front-wheel-drive performance car with no true competition during its lifetime. Still, after five years, Honda began to ready a new generation Civic Type R. As a swan song for the FK8, it created the Civic Type R Limited Edition in 2021.

In Tribute

The exclusive Phoenix Yellow color is a tribute to the original 1997 CTR, and the LE shaved 50 pounds from the standard car. Twenty-two pounds of that is unsprung, thanks to lighter BBS forged wheels. The alloys give the car lighter steering, nimbler handling, and better braking. The term Limited Edition is thrown around quite freely these days, but this one truly is. Only 600 were made for the US market.

The car for sale was seemingly purchased specifically for its rarity. With just 62 miles on the odometer, it’s barely been driven in the past three years. Back in 2021, it cost $44,950 new, some $6,500 more than a regular Civic Type R. At $59,500, the seller is looking to make a profit but is accepting offers. If you missed your opportunity to buy one when it was new, here’s a second chance.